What is a Condenser Mic?

Condenser microphones are the ideal choice for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. They're the primary type of microphone used in recording studios and radio stations. They are capable of capturing much more detail than dynamic microphones because of their wider, flatter frequency response. Another difference between condenser and dynamic mics is they contain active circuitry that requires phantom power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped Behringer XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of these state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.

Why the C3?

The C-3 is an affordable, high-quality way to put this essential studio tool to work for you. It has three selectable pickup patterns: omnidirectional for capturing sound equally on all sides; cardioid for picking up your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds; and figure-eight for capturing sound both behind and in front of the mic, but not all the way around. With its excellent transducer and gold-plated XLR output, the C-3 is very neutral-sounding and truly delivers on the promise of noise-free transmission.

But That's Not All...

The C-3 is built to be your go-to condenser mic for years to come. Its tough, die-cast body can withstand all the rigors of bleary-eyed late-night recording marathons. And with its rugged foam-padded carrying case, it travels in safety and style. They also included a swivel stand mount so it can be affixed to your studio's mic stands.

Value

This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it's available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Great bang for the buck.....not Neumans but they will get the job done with a little jingle left in your pocket!"

Sound:
For the money these are a good bang for the buck. That having been said, it is what you pay for. You are not buying Neuman mikes. Therefore, to compare them to Neuman would be a disservice to both. Because of the several options, cardioid, figure-8 and omni, these are performing exactly as I have need. These serve as ambient mikes in a live setting for in ear monitoring. With these set at front of stage with the figure-8 setting, performers are able to hear themselves in a "room" setting, and they are also able to hear the audience. They do it very well. The indicator on the face of the mics is a great visual clue that "phantom" is on.
Comparing them in studio to MXLs, the tonal quality is about the same, with the gain attenuated more for these to acheive the same output. When compared to Octavas, let us just say that they really are in a different league. The Octava(s), gain set at 12 o'clock, had more output than with these set at 3 o'clock. But again, keep in mind that what these are currently providing in an inexpensive package makes sense and cents.
Feature:
The shipping box (carrying case) is very adequate for getting to me, but I immediately put them in a padded/divided mic case (SKB). The mic holder is plastic, I would be careful in handling it. Are they road worthy for an every night set up and tear down? probably not!
Quality:
The switches appear to work well and do not anticipate any thing breaking but I also do not have any plans to need to change settings all to often. Very possibly the only one would be the low cut switch should there be any low rumble transmitted to these.
Value:
At the normal retail price I would probably pass on these for something with a little better specs.
Manufacturer Support:
I have used Behringer boards for many years and have not had anything that would cause me hesitation to use their products.
The Wow Factor:
The chromed mesh has me a little concerned as to how long it will hold up. I would have much preferred a more matte finish or black. They would be so much less conspicuous had they been a matte black finish for what I am using them for.
Overall:
So far what I have experienced with these, I would replace them with the same should something happen to them. In cardiod pattern there is some low self noise with the other settings it is greatly increased because of the additional diaphragm being active.

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"The best place to shop for sound gear!"

Overall:
The Behringer mic we bought for our congregationi is exactly what we were looking for and works perfectly in our application. And the switchable pick-up pattern allows us to use the mic in different settings without having to have two other mics. The figure 8 pattern and phantom power is just a great way for us to interview two people with having two mics and the people don;t have to be standing close to this mic for it to pick up. All-in-all, this is a terrific mic!!

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

1. zZounds offers the industry‘s most musician-friendly payment plans

zZounds offers a variety of Play as You Pay installment plans that allow you to get the gear you want today. While our competitors might offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check, our payment plans are easy to get, simple to use, and, best of all, accrue zero interest. Unlike those house credit cards that can leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the promotional period ends, we never have and never will charge interest when you take advantage of one of the zZounds Play as You Pay plans.

2. zZounds guarantees the lowest price

Seen it for less somewhere else? Get it for less at zZounds. Simply click the “Seen it for less?” link on any product page and as long as we‘re not losing money, we‘ll beat any legitimate competitor‘s lowest price, usually within two hours. Want our best price even faster? Call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll provide you with a lower price on the phone. Also, if you purchase from us and later find the product for less elsewhere, call or email us within 45 days, and we‘ll refund you the difference.

3. zZounds gets you your gear fast

At zZounds, you‘ll get your gear fast and, usually, with free delivery. Because we have warehouses in New Jersey, Nevada and Mississippi, nearly 95 percent of Americans reside within our two-day shipping zones. Combine this with the fact that many of our best-selling products qualify for free two-day delivery and you get expedited shipping without the additional cost.

4. zZounds makes returns super easy

Buy it, try it, like it, or return it to us for a full refund. It‘s just that simple. If you‘re not in love with what you bought, return it to zZounds within 45 days, and we‘ll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund. No hassles. No hidden charges. And if a product‘s defective or damaged, call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll email you a prepaid shipping label so you can easily return it to us at zero cost to you.

5. zZounds delivers top-rated customer service

zZounds has received multiple Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Platinum awards, placing us in the top 0.7 percent of Bizrate‘s network of 5,200 retailers. Our success in meeting the needs of our customers -- since 1996, we‘ve satisfied over 1,000,000 people -- is due in large part to the fact that zZounds only hires experienced musicians to answer your calls and emails, and they are never paid a commission.